Kids learns about bees’ life-sustaining role

By Laura Schiller

The buzz at Lyndhurst last month came not just from a boxed hive of some 40,000 bees, but from the excitement of children from Abbott House who gathered to learn about the art and science of beekeeping.

The Aug. 27 workshop was the second of four resulting from a partnership between Abbott House — the Irvington-based nonprofit that helps children, adults, and families — and Lyndhurst, the historic estate overlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown. In June, the hive was installed at Lyndhurst. The honeybees support pollination in the estate’s gardens and benefit the surrounding community, foraging up to 2 miles from their hive.

“Many of the children we serve come from trauma-filled backgrounds and are on a journey of healing and self-discovery,” said Justine Christakos, president and CEO of Abbott House. “Observing the honeybees’ path from flower to hive offers them a calming, joyful experience — sparking curiosity and teaching valuable lessons about collaboration and resilience.”